2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a distinctive stacked-headlight setup. The rear end maintained its general shape but featured full-width LED taillights, enhancing its modern appearance. The interior received a high-tech makeover, with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting, although some materials felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its visual design from the previous year, yet still stood out in the crossover class with its futuristic grille and LED light bars. The Kona grew significantly longer, improving interior space and giving it a more assertive stance. The N Line trim offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers. Inside, the Kona's unchanged interior felt solid and airy, with ample tech features. The drive selector's relocation created more space, and various trims offered different upholstery options, with heated front seats standard in Canada.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, replacing the previous V8. This engine produced 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, offering more power than the outgoing V8. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and 4WD remained standard in Canada. The QX80's air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its reinforced frame, the QX80's handling remained average for its size, and the artificial noise during acceleration was a drawback.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an IVT. The Kona N Line boasted a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was available for an additional cost on lower trims and standard on the N Line. The Kona's ride and handling prioritized competence, with AWD models featuring a more sophisticated suspension setup.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space significantly, offering 623 litres with all seats in place, 1,670 litres with the third row folded, and 2,860 litres with both the second and third rows folded. This provided an advantage over some competitors, although the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator offered more space with seats folded. The QX80 featured a power liftgate and power-folding seats, with various seating configurations available. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 also boasted a high towing capacity of 3,855 kg.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. This was impressive for its class, surpassing some larger vehicles. Rear legroom was adequate, and the front seats provided a comfortable range of movement. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with various trims offering different upholstery materials. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. Climate control options varied, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on select trims.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin featured dual 14.3-inch screens, with one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. A smaller 9-inch touchscreen handled additional controls. The QX80 was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also supported. The Klipsch sound system varied by trim, with a 24-speaker version available on higher trims. The QX80 offered a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and additional camera features.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing more customization options. The Kona's audio system varied by trim, with an eight-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 also offered ProPilot Assist, with adaptive cruise control and lane centring, and an advanced version with hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona also included parking assistance features on higher trims. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.